Foot Guard

ABSTRACT

A foot guard that provides shock absorption on a metatarsal region of a shoe, such as a cleat, or a foot is disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/882,859, filed Aug. 5, 2019, by Nicholas Coppola, and Titled “FOOT GUARD” and 63/057,083 filed Jul. 27, 2020, by Nicholas Coppola, and titled “FOOT GUARD,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a foot guard. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a foot guard composed of at least one pad that provides shock absorption on the metatarsal region of the feet.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This section introduces aspects that may help facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, these statements are to be read in this light and are not to be understood as admissions about what is or is not prior art.

American football is a game that involves athletes running, tackling, and hitting one another. Throughout this process, players' feet can get injured due to getting stepped on, players falling on the feet, or any other cause of impact to the feet. To help to prevent the players from receiving foot injuries, players may wear foot guards. The foot guards may provide an impact pad on the top of the foot, so, when a player's foot is stepped on, the impact pad can act as a cushion to absorb shock. There are several ways to attach the impact pad to a player's foot. For example, some socks are designed to have an impact pad on the metatarsal region. However, in situations when special socks are not available or cannot provide enough protection, players may need to wear foot guards outside their cleats to receive foot protection.

According to the present disclosure, a foot guard is provided that includes at least one impact pad and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism positions the at least one impact pad on a metatarsal region of a shoe and/or foot.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of protecting the metatarsal region of the foot where is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a foot guard with an impact pad, positioning the impact pad over the foot, and securing the impact pad on the foot. According to another method of the present disclosure, the method includes the steps of providing a foot guard including at least one band and an impact pad coupled to the at least one band, positioning the impact pad over the foot, and securing the impact pad to the foot with the at least one band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previously described aspects of this disclosure will grow to be appreciated at a greater level once references to the following accompanying illustrations are expounded upon.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a cleat showing a foot guard having an impact pad positioned on a metatarsal region of the cleat;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleat showing a foot guard having an impact pad positioned on a metatarsal region of the cleat with two bands;

FIG. 3 is an opposite perspective view of the cleat and foot guard of FIG. 2 showing the two bands secured to a pocket body over the cleat;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the cleat and foot guard of FIG. 2 showing ends of the bands attached to the pocket body;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the foot guard of FIG. 2 showing the ends of the bands detached from the pocket body;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the foot guard of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an opposite side perspective view of the foot guard of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the foot guard of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged bottom view of the foot guard of FIG. 2 showing a skid resistant surface;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the foot guard of FIG. 2 showing the pocket body having an opening allowing the removing and inserting of the impact pad;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the impact pad of FIG. 2 removed from the pocket body of the foot guard;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the impact pad of FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cleat of FIG. 2 showing an alternative embodiment foot guard having two bands, a primary impact pad, and a secondary impact pad attached to the primary impact pad;

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the foot guard of FIG. 13 showing an attachment mechanism on the pocket body to which the secondary impact pad attaches;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the secondary impact pad of FIG. 13 showing an attachment mechanism on the secondary impact pad that attaches to the attachment mechanism of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the secondary impact pad of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the secondary impact pad of FIG. 13 showing a skid resistant surface and a loop to attach to the laces of the cleat of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is bottom view of the secondary impact pad of FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the cleat and foot guard of FIG. 13 showing the secondary impact pad attached to the laces of the cleat;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the foot guard of FIG. 13 showing the secondary impact pad attached to the pocket body and the bands detached from the pocket body and cleat;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the cleat of FIG. 2 showing an alternative embodiment foot guard having the impact pad positioned on the metatarsal region of the cleat with a single band;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the cleat of FIG. 2 showing an alternative embodiment foot guard having the impact pad positioned on the metatarsal region of the cleat with two extra wide bands; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cleat of FIG. 2 showing an alternative embodiment foot guard having the impact pad positioned on the metatarsal region and coupled to the lace of the cleat.

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Unless otherwise indicated, the components shown in the figures are shown proportional to each other. It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. The disclosure includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrative devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the disclosure which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

A foot guard 10 is described herein that helps prevent foot injuries under a metatarsal region 11 of a cleat, such as to the metatarsals of a person's foot. Foot guard 10 includes at least one impact pad 14 that is positioned on metatarsal region 11 of cleat 18 when in use. When a person's foot, for example, a football player's foot, is stepped on by another person, impact pad 14 absorbs impact to help protect the foot.

As shown in FIGS. 2-12, a preferred embodiment foot guard 110 is provided that includes a pocket body 124, impact pad 14 positioned in pocket body 124, and a pair of elastic bands 116′, 116″ coupled to pocket body 124 to secure pocket body 124 and impact pad 14 on cleat 18. First ends 126 of bands 116′, 116″ are permanently secured to pocket body 124, and second ends 136 of bands 116′, 116″ are removably coupled to pocket body 124. Second ends 136 and pocket body 124 include hook-and-loop type fasteners 120 to provide removable coupling therebetween. According to alternative embodiments, other fasteners may be provided, such as snaps, metal hooks, etc. Lower band 116″ and pocket body 124 cooperate to define a first opening 122 to receive a rear or heel portion 22 of cleat 18 when second end 136 is coupled to pocket body 124. Lower band 116″ cooperates with pocket body 124 to defines a second opening 133 to receive an arch or middle lower portion 33 of cleat 18 when second end 136 is coupled to pocket body 124.

To secure foot guard 110 to cleat 18, the user positions pocket body 124, with pad 14 therein, over metatarsal region 11 of cleat 18 with second ends 136 of bands 116′, 116″ detached from pocket body 124. Next, the user wraps first band 116′ around heel portion 22 of cleat 18 and fastens second end 136 of first band 116′ to pocket body 124, preferably with first band 116′ being taut. Similarly, the user wraps second band 116″ around arch portion 33 of cleat 18 and fastens second end 136 of second band 116″ to pocket body 124, preferably with second band 116″ being taut. Then, the user can remove foot guard 110 from cleat 18. First, the user detaches second end 136 of second band 116″ from pocket body 124. Similarly, the user detaches second end 136 of first band 116′ from pocket body 124. Then, the user can remove pocket body 124 from metatarsal region 11 of cleat 18.

As shown in FIGS. 2-10, pocket body 124 includes a pocket opening 150 allowing impact pad 14 to be inserted and removed. To insert impact pad 14 into pocket body 124, the user detaches hooks 150A from loops 150B of pocket opening 150. Next, the user slides impact pad 14 into pocket body 124. The user then presses hooks 150A and loops 150B together to close pocket body 124 so that impact pad 14 is retained in pocket body 124. To remove impact pad 14, the user detaches hooks 150A from loops 150 of pocket opening 150. Next, the user removes impact pad 14 from pocket body 124. To replace impact pad 14 with the same impact pad 14 or a new impact pad 14, the user detaches hooks 150A from loops 150B of pocket opening 150. Next, the user slides impact pad 14 into pocket body 124. The user then presses hooks 150A and loops 150B together to close pocket body 124 so that impact pad 14 is retained in pocket body 124.

As shown in FIGS. 13-20, an alternate embodiment foot guard 510 is provided that includes a pocket body 124′ similar to pocket body 124, primary impact pad 14 positioned in pocket body 124′, at least one secondary impact pad 514 attached to pocket body 124′, a loop 576, at least one hook-and-loop-type fastening strip 578, and elastic bands 116′, 116″ coupled to pocket body 124′ to secure pocket body 124′, primary impact pad 14, and secondary impact pad 514 on cleat 18. First ends 126 of bands 116′, 116″ are permanently secured to pocket body 124′ and second ends 136 of bands 116′, 116″ are removably coupled to pocket body 124′. Second ends 136 and pocket body 124′ include hook-and-loop type fasteners 120 to provide removable coupling therebetween. According to alternative embodiments, other fasteners may be provided, such as snaps, metal hooks, etc.

Secondary impact pad 514 is removably coupled to pocket body 124′. Pocket body 124′ and secondary impact pad 514 include hook-and-loop type fasteners 540 to provide removable coupling therebetween. Secondary impact pad 514 includes loops 576 secured to form an opening able to receive hook-and-loop-type fastening strip 578 that attaches to laces 42 of cleat 18.

Foot guard 510 can be secured to cleat 18 following the same steps as described above for foot guard 110. Primary impact pad 14 can be removed from and inserted into pocket body 124 following the same steps as described above for foot guard 110.

To secure secondary impact pad 514 to pocket body 124, the user positions secondary impact pad 514 under pocket body 124′. The user then presses hooks 540A and loops 540B of hook-and-loop-type fasteners 540 together so that pocket body 124′ and secondary impact pad 514 are removably coupled together. Next the user attaches hook-and-loop-type fastening strip 578 to loop 576 and laces 42 of cleat 18, preferably by wrapping hook-and-loop-type fastening strip 578 around loop 576 and laces 42 of cleat 18 multiple times so that secondary impact pad 514 remains positioned on laces 42 of cleat 18. To remove secondary impact pad 514, the user first detaches hook-and-loop-type fastening strip 578 from, laces 42 of cleat 18. The user can then decouple hook-and-loop type fasteners 540 and remove secondary impact pad 514 from pocket body 124′. To replace secondary impact pad 514 with the same or a new secondary impact pad 514, the user positions secondary impact pad 514 under pocket body 124′. Next, the user presses hooks 540A and loops 540B of hook-and-loop-type fasteners 540 together so that pocket body 124′ and secondary impact pad 514 are removably coupled together. The user then attaches hook-and-loop-type fastening strip 578 to loop 576 and laces 42 of cleat 18.

In other embodiments of foot guards, not shown in the figures, the number of bands are not limited to two bands. For example, the foot guards may include a single band or more than two bands that wrap around cleat 18 to position at least one impact pad 14 at metatarsal region 11. As shown in FIG. 21, such an alternative embodiment foot guard 210 is provided that includes a single band 216 that wraps around lower middle portion 33 of cleat 18 to position and secure impact pad 14 over metatarsal region 11 of cleat 18. Additional details of this alternative embodiment and other alternative embodiment foot guards are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/057,083, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, other fastening mechanisms such as buckles, snap buttons, and/or hooks button may supplement or replace the-hook-and-loop fasteners 120, 220 to enable the ends of bands 116, 216 to firmly hold together. Further, the number of impact pads are not limited to a single or two impact pads, but may include three or more impact pads.

As shown in FIG. 22, another alternate embodiment foot guard 310 described in additional detail in the above referenced provisional patent application includes an extra wide band or multiple bands 316′, 316″ that wrap around lower middle region 33 of cleat 18 and the user's calf to position and secure impact pad 14 over metatarsal region 11 of cleat 18. As shown in FIG. 23, alternate embodiment foot guard 410 provided therein includes webbing configured to receive laces 42 of cleat 18, so that laces 42 can be tightened to position and secure impact pad 14 over metatarsal region 11 of cleat 18.

According to present disclosure, band 116 and the other bands discussed herein are elastic. Band 116 is preferably elastic enough to be stretched and wrap tightly around cleats 18 of various sizes. The usual range of elasticity of bands 116 is 0.01-0.5 GPa.

As mentioned above, impact pad 14 is positioned at metatarsal region 11 to absorb shock when a foot is stepped on. As shown in FIGS. 2-9 and 13-14, impact pad 14 can be positioned inside pocket bodies 124, 124′. Pocket bodies 124, 124′ open at one side and when impact pad 14 is positioned on metatarsal region 11, pocket opening 150 is preferably facing upward so that impact pad 14 is retained in pocket bodies 124, 124′ during movement. Pocket openings 150 is not limited to a single side. In other embodiments, pocket bodies 124, 124′ may open at more than one side. Pocket bodies 124, 124′ may include a fastening mechanism such as a hook-and-loop fastener, snap button, or hook button attached to pocket opening 150 to allow for impact pad 14 to be inserted or removed.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show one embodiment of pad 14 having a first side 30A and a second side 30B. When pad 14 is placed on metatarsal region 11, second side 30B faces toward metatarsal region 11, while first side 30A faces away from metatarsal region 11. First side 30A comprises grooves 31 and notches 35 to facilitate flexing or folding of first side 30A. Second side 30B has a curvature which corresponds to the curvature of metatarsal region 11. The curvature on second side 30B allows pad 14 to rest closely to metatarsal region 11 to increase the area of protection. First side 30A may also have a curvature which is more curved than that of second side 30B. The difference in curvature of first and second sides 30A, 30B creates a thickness of pad 14. One example of pad 14 described herein is the D3O® Met Guards. More information of the D3O® Met Guards is provided on http://d3o.com.temp.link/products/met-guards/. The materials of pad 14 can be silicone rubber, EVA foam, TPU plastic, and other soft and/or pliable materials.

According to the present disclosure, the back of the at least one impact pad 14 may further comprise a skid-resistant surface 32, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 17-20. Skid-resistant surface 32 is positioned on the back of pocket bodies 124, 124′ and secondary impact pad 514. The coefficient of friction of skid-resistant surface 32 is higher than that of the front side of pocket bodies 124, 124′ and secondary impact pad 514 so that skid-resistant surface 32 helps prevent impact pads 14, 514 from moving relative to cleat 18. In one embodiment, skid-resistant surface 32 is formed with many silicon or elastic dots 34 dispersed at the surface. In other embodiments, not shown, skid resistant surface 32 may be formed using different patterns, such as dashes or crosses.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that numerous modifications can be made to the specific implementations described above. The implementations should not be limited to the particular limitations described. Other implementations may be possible. 

1. A foot guard and shoe assembly, comprising: a shoe having lower side having a front portion and a rear portion and a metatarsal region, and a foot guard including a pocket body defining a pocket, an impact pad positioned in the pocket, and at least one band attached to the pocket body defining a first opening receiving the rear portion of the lower side of the shoe and a second opening receiving the front portion of the lower side of the shoe to secure the impact pad on the metatarsal region of the shoe.
 2. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one band is elastic.
 3. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the pocket body includes an opening sized to receive the impact pad, the opening has an open state allowing insertion of the impact pad into the pocket body and a closed state blocking removal of the impact pad from the pocket body
 4. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one band includes a second band positioned over a calf of a user wearing the shoe.
 5. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the pad is keystone-shaped.
 6. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 5, wherein the pad is curved along a length of the keystone shape.
 7. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the impact pad is removable from the pocket.
 8. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one band includes a first band having a first end permanently coupled to the pocket body, a middle portion, and a second end removably coupled to at least one of the pocket body and the middle portion.
 9. A foot guard and shoe assembly, comprising: a shoe having a metatarsal region, and a foot guard including a primary impact pad positioned over the metatarsal region of the shoe, at least one band attaching the impact pad to the shoe, and at least one secondary impact pad positioned over the metatarsal region of the shoe.
 10. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 9, wherein secondary impact pad is attached to the primary impact pad.
 11. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 10, wherein the secondary impact pad is removably attached to the primary impact pad.
 12. A foot guard and shoe assembly, comprising: a shoe having a lower portion and a metatarsal region, and a foot guard including a cushioned impact pad secured to the shoe to position the impact pad over the metatarsal region of the shoe.
 13. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 12, wherein the foot guard further includes a band extending under the shoe.
 14. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 13, wherein the foot guard includes another band extending around a heel of the shoe.
 15. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 14, wherein the bands are elastic.
 16. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 12, wherein the shoe includes a lace and the footguard is coupled to the lace.
 17. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 12, wherein the foot guard further includes webbing supporting the cushioned impact pad over the metatarsal region of the shoe.
 18. The foot guard and shoe assembly of claim 12, wherein the foot guard is removable from the shoe. 